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NASA’s X-57 Maxwell clears another milestone.
NASA’s experimental X-57 Maxwell all-electric plane is years in the making, but thanks to some recent milestones and thermal testing, it could be getting ready for its first flight as a complete package.
The fully electric plane has been under development since 2016, and the space agency has slowly tested everything from the electric motors, battery systems, and now the cruise motors. Yes, the cruise motors differ from the main propellers, as this experimental craft has several different electric systems that propel it forward and off the ground.
The NASA X-57 Maxwell isn’t your typical aircraft. This plane has 12 small electric motors that help with liftoff and two bigger and more powerful cruise motors. From what we understand, it’ll use all fourteen systems to take off and reach cruising speeds and altitudes. Then, the 12 smaller models deactivate, shut down, and fold away for improved aerodynamics.
At that point, the X-57 Maxwell will use the two larger cruise motors. This combination could help reduce weight, improve range and efficiency, and deliver a quieter flight.
This week NASA confirmed…
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